New Balance 880 v7 GTX

CoreScore A score from 1 to 100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. The average CoreScore is 78.
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User ratings

4.4 / 5 based on 5 ratings

5 star

60%

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Summary

We spent 9.9 hours reading reviews from experts and users. In summary, this is what runners think:

6
reasons to buy

Some wearers agreed that the New Balance 880 v7 GTX was a good-looking shoe.

The upper was very comfortable and felt like it was embracing the foot, according to a reviewer.

Each stride was filled with comfort and stability, wrote a consumer.

The shoe provided excellent support for the Achilles, a runner observed.

Several users thought the 880 v7 GTX to be a durable shoe that was able to withstand daily long distances.

A dependable waterproof shoe that proved to be effective in rainy day runs, a customer said.

3
reasons not to buy

A reviewer said the 880 v7 GTX was too tight and hurt the foot even after short-time

The shoe was a little heavy, a wearer said.

A user mentioned the shoe was stiffer compared to the previous version.

Bottom line

The New Balance 880 v7 GTX did not stray far from its base shoe, regarding how consumers received it. This waterproof shoe for running has earned mostly positive comments about its comfort, fit, and support. Only a few wearers experienced issues with the shoe’s structure. Overall, users felt that the New Balance 880 v7 GTX was a shoe worth recommending to peers.

Summary

We spent 9.9 hours reading reviews from experts and users. In summary, this is what runners think:

6
reasons to buy

Some wearers agreed that the New Balance 880 v7 GTX was a good-looking shoe.

The upper was very comfortable and felt like it was embracing the foot, according to a reviewer.

Each stride was filled with comfort and stability, wrote a consumer.

The shoe provided excellent support for the Achilles, a runner observed.

Several users thought the 880 v7 GTX to be a durable shoe that was able to withstand daily long distances.

A dependable waterproof shoe that proved to be effective in rainy day runs, a customer said.

3
reasons not to buy

A reviewer said the 880 v7 GTX was too tight and hurt the foot even after short-time

The shoe was a little heavy, a wearer said.

A user mentioned the shoe was stiffer compared to the previous version.

Bottom line

The New Balance 880 v7 GTX did not stray far from its base shoe, regarding how consumers received it. This waterproof shoe for running has earned mostly positive comments about its comfort, fit, and support. Only a few wearers experienced issues with the shoe’s structure. Overall, users felt that the New Balance 880 v7 GTX was a shoe worth recommending to peers.

Rankings

Updates to New Balance 880 v7 GTX

The waterproof version of the New Balance 880 v7 prides itself as an excellent performer in long-distance runs, under any weather. It claims to deliver lasting comfort, as well as enable an efficient run, even when worn every day. This shoe is ideal for roads and treadmills, and for doing medium-paced, long-distance runs.

The improved upper now features a breathable yet waterproof GORE-TEX® membrane for a protective yet lightweight shoe. It is aided by seamlessly attached overlays that bring adequate support without the added bulk.

The midsole still consists of a dual-layered foam for twice the cushioning and support. It also delivers superb shock absorption and torsional stability. Meanwhile, the outsole utilizes the brand’s signature pattern made of blown rubber and carbon rubber. It provides durability in high-wear areas and additional cushioning in the midfoot area.

New Balance 880 v7 GTX size and fit

The New Balance 880 v7 GTX is true to size and is available in a variety of size options. The shoe comes in width profiles of D – Medium and 2E – Wide for the men’s version and B – Medium and D – Wide for the women’s version; thus, runners with a wide foot volume will be able to find a comfortable fit. This shoe has the same fit with the NB 880 v8.

Outsole

The outsole of the New Balance 880 v7 GTX displays two different patterns and uses two different compounds. The arch and the medial side of the forefoot have slightly-hollowed rectangles, which are made of a high-quality soft blown rubber material. It offers additional cushioning in these areas.

Meanwhile, the midfoot and heel areas are made of hard carbon rubber – which the brand calls NDurance – and features a printed series of squares inside one another. The material brings maximum durability in these high-wear areas.

Aside from the dual-compound outsole, flex grooves are also present in the shoe. These enable flexibility and enhance the shoe’s responsiveness.

Midsole

The two-layered foam of the 880 v7 GTX’s midsole is a combination of ACTEVA™ and Abzorb®, which are blended for an even more reliable cushioning, especially for long-distance runs.

ACTEVA™ is a midsole-compound that is 12% lighter than traditional foam to give the runner an improved endurance. Meanwhile, Abzorb® is a foam-based polymer that disperses impact and shock, thus reducing the chances of body pains.

The two compounds result in TruFuse, a unique cushioning system that combines the functions of ACTEVA™ and Abzorb® for a superior midsole. It is supported by T-Beam, a lightweight thermoplastic urethane (TPU) shank in the midfoot area that provides torsional stability and arch support.

There is an Ortholite® sock liner as well that adds cushioning. It has an antimicrobial property to keep the foot fresh and free from odors.

Upper

The Fantom Fit technology in the upper is present to give ultra-lightweight support and fit, thanks to its no-sew construction. Fantom Fit is the result of fusing (instead of sewing) thin materials. 3D prints made of resin complete the upper’s design.

The delicate upper material is supported and strengthened by the GORE-TEX® membrane, while it also offers waterproof protection.

The toe bumper and the heel cup are both made of synthetic. This material effectively shields the front and end of the foot from injuries, as well as support the shoe’s structure.

The Neoprene stretch tongue and the collar are both padded to give the foot added comfort and protection from rubbing and irritation.